GAM vs. VIG
GAM (General American Investors Company, Inc.) is a stock, while VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) is Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Over the past 10 years, GAM returned 15.40%/yr vs 13.03%/yr for VIG. Their correlation of 0.80 means they have usually moved in the same direction.
Performance
GAM vs. VIG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, GAM achieves a 10.68% return, which is significantly higher than VIG's 9.71% return. Over the past 10 years, GAM has outperformed VIG with an annualized return of 15.40%, while VIG has yielded a comparatively lower 13.03% annualized return.
GAM
- 1D
- 0.42%
- 1M
- 1.66%
- 6M
- 6.96%
- YTD
- 10.68%
- 1Y
- 28.16%
- 3Y*
- 25.77%
- 5Y*
- 15.37%
- 10Y*
- 15.40%
- ALL TIME*
- 9.19%
VIG
- 1D
- -0.37%
- 1M
- 0.23%
- 6M
- 7.64%
- YTD
- 9.71%
- 1Y
- 19.10%
- 3Y*
- 14.92%
- 5Y*
- 10.43%
- 10Y*
- 13.03%
- ALL TIME*
- 10.23%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.10M | $1.38M | $1.77M | |
| $229.58M | $245.27M | $258.85M |
GAM vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GAM General American Investors Company, Inc. | 10.68% | 28.63% | 29.55% | 26.84% | -14.84% | 20.56% | 5.85% | 41.76% | -10.25% | 21.32% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 9.71% | 14.17% | 16.99% | 14.51% | -9.80% | 23.76% | 15.43% | 29.62% | -2.08% | 22.22% |
Correlation
The correlation between GAM and VIG is 0.61, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most. | 0.61 |
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history. | 0.69 |
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period. | 0.78 |
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions. | 0.77 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2006 | 0.80 |
The correlation between GAM and VIG shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.80 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
GAM vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank
GAM
VIG
GAM vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for General American Investors Company, Inc. (GAM) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| GAM | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.52 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.63 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.41 | 1.32 | +0.09 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.06 | 2.28 | +0.78 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 13.47 | 9.28 | +4.20 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
GAM vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum GAM drawdown since its inception was -66.63%, which is greater than VIG's maximum drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GAM and VIG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| GAM | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -66.63% | -46.81% | -19.82% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.67% | -7.91% | -0.76% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -14.90% | -14.95% | +0.05% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -26.09% | -20.39% | -5.70% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.78% | -31.72% | -10.06% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.34% | -1.06% | +0.72% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.54% | -5.47% | -6.07% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.97% | 1.94% | +0.03% |
Volatility
GAM vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison
General American Investors Company, Inc. (GAM) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) have volatilities of 2.77% and 2.69%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| GAM | VIG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 2.77% | 2.69% | +0.08% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.58% | 7.61% | +1.97% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.50% | 10.14% | +1.36% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.00% | 14.20% | +1.80% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 17.59% | 16.02% | +1.57% |
Dividends
GAM vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison
GAM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.85%, more than VIG's 1.50% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GAM General American Investors Company, Inc. | 9.85% | 11.32% | 8.82% | 6.17% | 4.15% | 1.38% | 6.72% | 6.49% | 9.67% | 9.56% | 10.20% | 3.60% |
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | 1.50% | 1.62% | 1.73% | 1.88% | 1.96% | 1.55% | 1.63% | 1.71% | 2.08% | 1.88% | 2.14% | 2.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
GAM and VIG have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
GAM has higher volatility (2.77%) compared to VIG (2.69%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GAM dropped -66.63% vs VIG's -46.81%.
GAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.31 vs 1.79), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for GAM and VIG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer